How Long Did Each Couple in the Royal Family Wait to Have Kids?

With Baby Sussex‘s arrival expected to be in late April to early May, the biggest and most dedicated royal admirers are gearing up for the big day. Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have kept pregnancy details very hush-hush, fans of the couple (and the royal family in general) have been dying to get a glimpse into their new lives as parents-to-be.

One of the most interesting things about Meghan, 37, and 34-year-old Harry’s relationship is the quick timeline of their romance. Although the couple began dating in November 2016 — Kensington Palace confirmed the relationship in a statement — the former Suits actress revealed to Vanity Fair in October 2017 that they first met in London during July 2016.

A little over a year later, in November 2017, Harry got down on one knee and proposed with a three-diamond engagement ring, which includes two diamonds that used to belong to Princess Diana. After tying the knot at their lavish and highly publicized royal wedding in May 2018, the royal duo announced in October that Meghan was three months pregnant — which means they only waited about two months before getting pregnant with their first child.

If you couldn’t tell, being speedy is kind of their thing but, while Meghan and Harry’s romance took off to a quick start, you might be surprised to hear that they weren’t the only ones. In fact, many couples within the royal family wasted no time at all before getting down to business.

Scroll down through the gallery below to see how long each royal couple waited before having kids!

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and longtime husband Prince Philip — who will be celebrating their 72nd wedding anniversary at the end of the year — didn’t wait long at all before welcoming their first child, Prince Charles. The Prince of Wales, 70, was born on November 14, 1948, almost exactly one year to the day of their royal wedding on November 20, 1947. That means they waited about three months before getting pregnant. Following Charles’s birth, Elizabeth, 92, and Philip, 97, also welcomed their other children, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana

Elizabeth and Philip’s first child, Charles — the next in line for the throne — and first wife Diana waited an even shorter amount of time before adding a brood to their family. The royal couple tied the knot on July 29, 1981, and welcomed their first son, Prince William, less than one year later on June 21, 1982. This means they waited about two months before becoming pregnant. Charles and Di also welcomed their second child, Harry, two years later. Sadly, the beloved princess tragically passed away in a car accident in August 1997. Following the loss that shook the world, Charles married Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in April 2005.

Princess Anne and Mark Phillips

Unlike her parents and brother, Anne and husband Mark Phillips actually waited a few years before she had any children. The couple married in November 14, 1973, and didn’t welcome their first child, Peter Philips until November 15, 1977 — nearly four years later to the date. The now-divorced couple — Anne, 68, remarried to new husband Timothy Laurence in 1992 — are also the parents to daughter Zara Tindall.

Prince Edward and Sophie, Coutness of Wessex

Like older sister Ann, Edward, 55, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 54, waited a bit before expanding their family. The royal couple tied the knot on June 19, 1999, and welcomed their first child, Lady Louise Windsor, 15, on November 8, 2003 — a little more than four years later. Edward and Sophie are also the proud parents to 11-year-old son James, Viscount Severn.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson

Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, both 59 — who are now sadly divorced — got married on July 23, 1986, and welcomed their first daughter, 30-year-old Princess Beatrice on August 8, 1988 (about two years later). Andrew and Fergie also share another daughter, Princess Eugenie, 28. Although they have yet to become royal grandparents, Eugenie did just get married last October. Hopefully we’ll have some baby news soon!

Prince William and Kate Middleton

William and Kate — who married on April 29, 2011 — may be the parents to some of the cutest royal kiddos! The loving couple waited for a little over to years before welcoming their first child, 5-year-old Prince George, into the family on July 22, 2013. William and Kate further expanded their brood in 2015 after welcoming Princess Charlotte, 3, and then again in 2018 when Prince Louis, almost 1, was born.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan have quite the whirlwind romance. Not only did the couple get engaged after dating for a little over a year, but they also cut to the chase when it came to having kids! Although their first child has not been born yet, Harry and Meg will be welcoming Baby Sussex very soon — so exciting!

Peter Phillips and Autumn Phillips

Peter — Anne and Mark’s son — and wife Autumn Phillips waited welcomed their first child, 8-year-old Savannah Phillips, about two and a half years after tying the knot. They were married on May 17, 2008, and Savannah was born on December 29, 2010. The royal duo are also the parents to Isla Phillips, 7.

Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall

Zara — Anne and Mark’s daughter — and husband Mike Tindall didn’t seem in any rush to have kids. Although they are the doting parents to two beautiful girls, they didn’t welcome their first child, 5-year-old Mia Grace Tindall, until January 17, 2014 — about two and a half years after their wedding on July 30, 2011. The British equestrian and Mike are also mom and dad to daughter Lena Elizabeth Tindall, 9 months. Fun fact: Harry is Lena’s godfather!